Verbs and prepositions

Do you know how to use the prepositions for, from, in, of, on, to and with after verbs? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how prepositions are used after verbs.

Can you wait for me to finish my lunch?
I'm relying on my co-worker to answer all my emails while I'm on holiday.
Sun cream protects you from getting burnt.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1: Verbs and prepositions: Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

When a verb is part of a longer sentence, it is often followed by a specific preposition.

I agree with Mike.
She listens to the radio a lot.
He thanked me for the flowers.

There are no grammatical rules to help you know which preposition is used with which verb, so it's a good idea to try to learn them together. To help you do this, write new vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or phrase. Here are some common verbs for each preposition.

Verbs with for

They're waiting for a bus.
He apologised for being late.
I applied for the job but I didn't get it.
How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
I can't go out tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.

Verbs with from

This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
Has he recovered from the accident yet?
She won an award because she saved someone from drowning.
I suffer from allergies.

Verbs with in

She doesn't believe in coincidences.
Our company specialises in computer software.
You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.

Verbs with of

I don't approve of hunting animals for their fur.
Our dog died of old age.
This shampoo smells of bananas.

Verbs with on

Their decision will depend on the test results.
The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
If you make so much noise, I can't concentrate on my work.
Come on! We're relying on you!
We don't agree on anything but we're still good friends.

Verbs with to

What kind of music do you like listening to?
Can I introduce you to my grandfather?
Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
Nobody responded to my complaint.
She apologised to me the next day.

Verbs with with

I agree with everything you've said.
My assistant will provide you with more information if you need it.
We're finding it difficult to deal with the stress.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2: Verbs and prepositions: Grammar test 2

Try another grammar lesson

Language level

B1 Intermediate

B2 Upper intermediate

Hi there!

Is there a difference between "speak to" and "speak with"? Or can we use them interchangeably? Or maybe the context is the key? I have some doubts...

e.g. "Could I speak to Darla, please?" or "Could I speak with Darla, please?" when I'm on the phone?

Or at work – if a boss wants to talk to one of his employees, what would he say? Either of them?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Hello szoszke,

The differences are minimal in modern English and you can use them interchangeably. I think speak with is a little more common in US English and speak to is more common in UK English, though both are fine in either.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

i filled all preparations in right blank place but it's showing incorrect how is it possible?

Hello ARVIND45,

To see the correct answers please first click 'Finish' and then 'Show answers'.

If any of the answers are not clear or if you have any questions about why a certain answer is right or wrong then you can ask here in the comments and one of the team will get back to you.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Hello. Could you please help me? - Which one is correct, or both? Simple explanation, please.

- I have no goals this year (except - other than) passing my final exam.

Thank you.

Both are correct, since both prepositions have the same meaning ("excluding" or "with the exception of.")

Hello Ahmed Imam,

Both are correct and there is no difference in meaning. I think 'other than' is perhaps a little more formal but minimally so.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

This Excel file makes it easy to find a verb and its prepositions. You can also add to it. If a cell appears in dark red, it means that the verb added to had already been placed there (delete it) or it had another preposition (find it).

htt//docs.google.com/spreadsheets------------------